> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://resources.latex-cloud-studio.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# LaTeX Bullet Points and Numbered Lists: itemize and enumerate

> Create bullet points with itemize and numbered lists with enumerate in LaTeX. Copy the syntax and learn nesting, numbering styles, and custom labels.

export const RenderedOutput = ({title = "Rendered output", ctaHref, ctaLabel = "Open LaTeX Cloud Studio", children}) => {
  const [isExpanded, setIsExpanded] = useState(false);
  const trackEditorCta = () => {
    const target = new URL(ctaHref, window.location.href);
    globalThis.posthog?.capture?.("docs_app_cta_clicked", {
      source_page: window.location.pathname,
      source_section: "rendered_output",
      cta_variant: "first_compiled_example",
      target_url: target.toString(),
      target_utm_source: target.searchParams.get("utm_source"),
      target_utm_medium: target.searchParams.get("utm_medium"),
      target_utm_campaign: target.searchParams.get("utm_campaign"),
      target_utm_content: target.searchParams.get("utm_content")
    }, {
      transport: "sendBeacon",
      send_instantly: true
    });
  };
  return <details className="rendered-output" onToggle={event => setIsExpanded(event.currentTarget.open)}>
      <summary className="rendered-output__summary">
        <span className="rendered-output__title">{title}</span>
        <span className="rendered-output__hint" aria-hidden="true">View compiled result</span>
      </summary>
      {isExpanded && <div className="rendered-output__content">
          {children}
          {ctaHref && <aside className="rendered-output__cta" aria-label="Continue in the LaTeX editor">
              <span>
                <strong>Ready to use this syntax?</strong>
                Continue in the browser editor when you want to adapt the example in a real project.
              </span>
              <a href={ctaHref} onClick={trackEditorCta}>{ctaLabel}<span aria-hidden="true"> →</span></a>
            </aside>}
        </div>}
    </details>;
};

export const LatexSource = ({filename, source}) => {
  const [copyStatus, setCopyStatus] = useState("Copy");
  const copySource = async () => {
    try {
      await navigator.clipboard.writeText(source);
      setCopyStatus("Copied");
    } catch {
      setCopyStatus("Select and copy");
    }
  };
  return <figure className="latex-source">
      <figcaption className="latex-source__header">
        <span className="latex-source__filename">{filename}</span>
        <button type="button" className="latex-source__copy" onClick={copySource} aria-live="polite">
          {copyStatus}
        </button>
      </figcaption>
      <pre className="latex-source__pre" aria-label={`LaTeX source: ${filename}`} tabIndex="0">
        <code className="language-latex">{source}</code>
      </pre>
    </figure>;
};

export const LatexPreview = ({src, alt, caption, width, height}) => {
  const minZoom = 1;
  const maxZoom = 3;
  const zoomStep = 0.5;
  const measureSvgContent = async (assetSrc, pageWidth, pageHeight) => {
    const cacheKey = "__latexCloudSvgContentBoxCache";
    const contentBoxCache = globalThis[cacheKey] ?? new Map();
    globalThis[cacheKey] = contentBoxCache;
    if (contentBoxCache.has(assetSrc)) return contentBoxCache.get(assetSrc);
    const measurement = (async () => {
      const assetUrl = new URL(assetSrc, window.location.href);
      if (assetUrl.origin !== window.location.origin) {
        throw new Error("Rendered output must use a same-origin SVG asset.");
      }
      const response = await fetch(assetUrl, {
        credentials: "same-origin"
      });
      if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Rendered output request failed with ${response.status}.`);
      const source = await response.text();
      const documentNode = new DOMParser().parseFromString(source, "image/svg+xml");
      if (documentNode.querySelector("parsererror")) throw new Error("Rendered output is not valid SVG.");
      const sourceSvg = documentNode.documentElement;
      sourceSvg.querySelectorAll("script, foreignObject").forEach(node => node.remove());
      [sourceSvg, ...sourceSvg.querySelectorAll("*")].forEach(node => {
        [...node.attributes].forEach(attribute => {
          if ((/^on/i).test(attribute.name)) node.removeAttribute(attribute.name);
          if ((attribute.name === "href" || attribute.name === "xlink:href") && !attribute.value.startsWith("#")) {
            node.removeAttribute(attribute.name);
          }
        });
      });
      const measurementHost = document.createElement("div");
      measurementHost.className = "latex-preview__measurement-host";
      const measuredSvg = document.importNode(sourceSvg, true);
      measuredSvg.setAttribute("aria-hidden", "true");
      measurementHost.appendChild(measuredSvg);
      document.body.appendChild(measurementHost);
      try {
        const measuredElements = [...measuredSvg.children].filter(node => !["defs", "desc", "metadata", "style", "title"].includes(node.tagName.toLowerCase()));
        const elementBounds = measuredElements.map(node => node.getBBox()).filter(box => [box.x, box.y, box.width, box.height].every(Number.isFinite) && box.width > 0 && box.height > 0);
        if (elementBounds.length === 0) {
          throw new Error("Rendered output has no measurable visible content.");
        }
        const sortedBounds = [...elementBounds].sort((left, right) => left.y - right.y);
        const clusterGap = pageHeight * 0.045;
        const clusters = [];
        sortedBounds.forEach(box => {
          const current = clusters[clusters.length - 1];
          if (!current || box.y - current.bottom > clusterGap) {
            clusters.push({
              boxes: [box],
              bottom: box.y + box.height
            });
            return;
          }
          current.boxes.push(box);
          current.bottom = Math.max(current.bottom, box.y + box.height);
        });
        const contentClusters = clusters.filter(cluster => {
          const clusterBox = cluster.boxes.reduce((combined, box) => {
            const right = Math.max(combined.x + combined.width, box.x + box.width);
            const bottom = Math.max(combined.y + combined.height, box.y + box.height);
            const x = Math.min(combined.x, box.x);
            const y = Math.min(combined.y, box.y);
            return {
              x,
              y,
              width: right - x,
              height: bottom - y
            };
          });
          const centerY = clusterBox.y + clusterBox.height / 2;
          const isMarginFurniture = cluster.boxes.length <= 2 && clusterBox.width < pageWidth * 0.2 && clusterBox.height < pageHeight * 0.04 && (centerY < pageHeight * 0.08 || centerY > pageHeight * 0.8);
          return !isMarginFurniture;
        });
        const visibleBounds = (contentClusters.length > 0 ? contentClusters : clusters).flatMap(cluster => cluster.boxes);
        const bounds = visibleBounds.reduce((combined, box) => {
          const right = Math.max(combined.x + combined.width, box.x + box.width);
          const bottom = Math.max(combined.y + combined.height, box.y + box.height);
          const x = Math.min(combined.x, box.x);
          const y = Math.min(combined.y, box.y);
          return {
            x,
            y,
            width: right - x,
            height: bottom - y
          };
        });
        const clampValue = (value, minimum, maximum) => Math.min(maximum, Math.max(minimum, value));
        const padding = Math.max(8, Math.min(pageWidth, pageHeight) * 0.025);
        const x = clampValue(bounds.x - padding, 0, pageWidth);
        const y = clampValue(bounds.y - padding, 0, pageHeight);
        const right = clampValue(bounds.x + bounds.width + padding, 0, pageWidth);
        const bottom = clampValue(bounds.y + bounds.height + padding, 0, pageHeight);
        return {
          x,
          y,
          width: right - x,
          height: bottom - y
        };
      } finally {
        measurementHost.remove();
      }
    })();
    contentBoxCache.set(assetSrc, measurement);
    measurement.catch(() => contentBoxCache.delete(assetSrc));
    return measurement;
  };
  const renderPreviewAsset = ({contentBox: assetContentBox, loading}) => {
    if (!assetContentBox) {
      return <img className="latex-preview__asset" src={src} alt={alt} width={width} height={height} loading={loading} draggable="false" />;
    }
    return <svg className="latex-preview__asset" viewBox={`${assetContentBox.x} ${assetContentBox.y} ${assetContentBox.width} ${assetContentBox.height}`} preserveAspectRatio="xMidYMid meet" role="img" aria-label={alt}>
        <image href={src} x="0" y="0" width={width} height={height} />
      </svg>;
  };
  const [isOpen, setIsOpen] = useState(false);
  const [frameMode, setFrameMode] = useState("content");
  const [viewMode, setViewMode] = useState("fit");
  const [zoom, setZoom] = useState(minZoom);
  const [contentBox, setContentBox] = useState(null);
  const [measurementStatus, setMeasurementStatus] = useState("loading");
  const dialogRef = useRef(null);
  const closeButtonRef = useRef(null);
  const viewportRef = useRef(null);
  const previousFocusRef = useRef(null);
  const dragRef = useRef(null);
  useEffect(() => {
    let isCurrent = true;
    setMeasurementStatus("loading");
    measureSvgContent(src, width, height).then(box => {
      if (!isCurrent) return;
      setContentBox(box);
      setMeasurementStatus("ready");
    }).catch(() => {
      if (!isCurrent) return;
      setContentBox(null);
      setFrameMode("page");
      setMeasurementStatus("error");
    });
    return () => {
      isCurrent = false;
    };
  }, [height, src, width]);
  const closeViewer = useCallback(() => {
    setIsOpen(false);
  }, []);
  const openViewer = () => {
    previousFocusRef.current = document.activeElement;
    setFrameMode(contentBox ? "content" : "page");
    setViewMode("fit");
    setZoom(minZoom);
    setIsOpen(true);
  };
  const applyZoom = useCallback(nextZoom => {
    const boundedZoom = Math.min(maxZoom, Math.max(minZoom, nextZoom));
    setViewMode("custom");
    setZoom(boundedZoom);
  }, []);
  const zoomIn = useCallback(() => {
    applyZoom(viewMode === "fit" ? minZoom + zoomStep : zoom + zoomStep);
  }, [applyZoom, viewMode, zoom]);
  const zoomOut = useCallback(() => {
    applyZoom(viewMode === "fit" ? minZoom : zoom - zoomStep);
  }, [applyZoom, viewMode, zoom]);
  useEffect(() => {
    if (!isOpen) return undefined;
    const previousOverflow = document.body.style.overflow;
    document.body.style.overflow = "hidden";
    closeButtonRef.current?.focus();
    return () => {
      document.body.style.overflow = previousOverflow;
      previousFocusRef.current?.focus?.();
    };
  }, [isOpen]);
  useEffect(() => {
    if (!isOpen) return undefined;
    const handleKeyDown = event => {
      if (event.key === "Escape") {
        event.preventDefault();
        closeViewer();
        return;
      }
      if ((event.key === "+" || event.key === "=") && !event.metaKey && !event.ctrlKey) {
        event.preventDefault();
        zoomIn();
        return;
      }
      if (event.key === "-" && !event.metaKey && !event.ctrlKey) {
        event.preventDefault();
        zoomOut();
        return;
      }
      if (event.key !== "Tab" || !dialogRef.current) return;
      const focusable = [...dialogRef.current.querySelectorAll('button:not([disabled]), a[href], [tabindex]:not([tabindex="-1"])')];
      if (focusable.length === 0) return;
      const first = focusable[0];
      const last = focusable[focusable.length - 1];
      if (event.shiftKey && document.activeElement === first) {
        event.preventDefault();
        last.focus();
      } else if (!event.shiftKey && document.activeElement === last) {
        event.preventDefault();
        first.focus();
      }
    };
    window.addEventListener("keydown", handleKeyDown);
    return () => {
      window.removeEventListener("keydown", handleKeyDown);
    };
  }, [closeViewer, isOpen, zoomIn, zoomOut]);
  const startDrag = event => {
    if (event.button !== 0 || !viewportRef.current) return;
    const viewport = viewportRef.current;
    dragRef.current = {
      pointerId: event.pointerId,
      x: event.clientX,
      y: event.clientY,
      scrollLeft: viewport.scrollLeft,
      scrollTop: viewport.scrollTop
    };
    viewport.setPointerCapture(event.pointerId);
    viewport.dataset.dragging = "true";
  };
  const continueDrag = event => {
    const drag = dragRef.current;
    const viewport = viewportRef.current;
    if (!drag || !viewport || drag.pointerId !== event.pointerId) return;
    viewport.scrollLeft = drag.scrollLeft - (event.clientX - drag.x);
    viewport.scrollTop = drag.scrollTop - (event.clientY - drag.y);
  };
  const stopDrag = event => {
    const viewport = viewportRef.current;
    if (viewport?.hasPointerCapture(event.pointerId)) viewport.releasePointerCapture(event.pointerId);
    if (viewport) delete viewport.dataset.dragging;
    dragRef.current = null;
  };
  const activeContentBox = frameMode === "content" ? contentBox : null;
  const activeWidth = activeContentBox?.width ?? width;
  const activeHeight = activeContentBox?.height ?? height;
  const activeRatio = activeWidth / activeHeight;
  const inlineContentBox = measurementStatus === "ready" ? contentBox : null;
  const inlineWidth = inlineContentBox?.width ?? width;
  const inlineHeight = inlineContentBox?.height ?? height;
  const inlineGeometry = {
    aspectRatio: `${inlineWidth} / ${inlineHeight}`,
    maxWidth: `${30 * inlineWidth / inlineHeight}rem`
  };
  const imageStyle = viewMode === "fit" ? {
    aspectRatio: `${activeWidth} / ${activeHeight}`,
    width: "100%",
    maxWidth: `${Math.max(16, activeRatio * 78)}dvh`
  } : {
    aspectRatio: `${activeWidth} / ${activeHeight}`,
    width: `${zoom * 100}%`,
    maxWidth: "none"
  };
  const zoomLabel = viewMode === "fit" ? frameMode === "content" ? "Fit content" : "Full page" : `${Math.round(zoom * 100)}%`;
  return <figure className="latex-preview">
      <button type="button" className="latex-preview__trigger" onClick={openViewer} aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label={`Open zoomable preview: ${alt}`}>
        <span className="latex-preview__page" style={inlineGeometry}>
          {measurementStatus === "loading" ? <span className="latex-preview__loading" role="status">Preparing compiled output…</span> : renderPreviewAsset({
    src,
    alt,
    width,
    height,
    contentBox: inlineContentBox,
    loading: "lazy"
  })}
        </span>
        <span className="latex-preview__trigger-label" aria-hidden="true">
          <span className="latex-preview__trigger-icon">⌕</span>
          Open viewer
        </span>
      </button>
      <figcaption className="latex-preview__caption">
        <span>
          {caption}
          {measurementStatus === "error" && <span className="latex-preview__status" role="status"> Content fit is unavailable; the complete vector page is shown.</span>}
        </span>
        <a href={src} target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" className="latex-preview__source-link">Open SVG</a>
      </figcaption>

      {isOpen && <div className="latex-preview__backdrop" onMouseDown={event => {
    if (event.target === event.currentTarget) closeViewer();
  }}>
          <section ref={dialogRef} className="latex-preview__dialog" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" aria-label={`Rendered LaTeX viewer: ${alt}`}>
            <header className="latex-preview__toolbar">
              <div className="latex-preview__identity">
                <span className="latex-preview__eyebrow">Compiled LaTeX</span>
                <span className="latex-preview__filename">{alt}</span>
              </div>
              <div className="latex-preview__controls" aria-label="Preview controls">
                <button type="button" className={frameMode === "content" && viewMode === "fit" ? "is-active" : undefined} disabled={!contentBox} onClick={() => {
    setFrameMode("content");
    setViewMode("fit");
    setZoom(minZoom);
  }}>
                  Fit content
                </button>
                <button type="button" className={frameMode === "page" && viewMode === "fit" ? "is-active" : undefined} onClick={() => {
    setFrameMode("page");
    setViewMode("fit");
    setZoom(minZoom);
  }}>
                  Full page
                </button>
                <span className="latex-preview__zoom-group">
                  <button type="button" onClick={zoomOut} disabled={viewMode === "fit" || zoom <= minZoom} aria-label="Zoom out">−</button>
                  <output aria-live="polite" aria-label="Current zoom">{zoomLabel}</output>
                  <button type="button" onClick={zoomIn} disabled={viewMode !== "fit" && zoom >= maxZoom} aria-label="Zoom in">+</button>
                </span>
                <a href={src} target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Open SVG</a>
                <button ref={closeButtonRef} type="button" className="latex-preview__close" onClick={closeViewer} aria-label="Close rendered LaTeX viewer">
                  Close
                </button>
              </div>
            </header>
            <div ref={viewportRef} className="latex-preview__viewport" data-view-mode={viewMode} onPointerDown={startDrag} onPointerMove={continueDrag} onPointerUp={stopDrag} onPointerCancel={stopDrag}>
              <span className="latex-preview__dialog-page" style={imageStyle}>
                {renderPreviewAsset({
    src,
    alt,
    width,
    height,
    contentBox: activeContentBox
  })}
              </span>
            </div>
            <footer className="latex-preview__viewer-note">
              Compiler-generated vector output · Use +/− to zoom · Drag to pan · Esc to close
            </footer>
          </section>
        </div>}
    </figure>;
};

For bullet points in LaTeX, put each `\item` inside an `itemize` environment. For a numbered list, use `enumerate` instead. Use `description` for labeled terms, and add the `enumitem` package only when you need custom numbering, labels, or spacing.

<Info>
  **Quick answer**: `\begin{itemize} ... \end{itemize}` creates bullet points; `\begin{enumerate} ... \end{enumerate}` creates an automatically numbered list.
</Info>

## Choose the Right List Environment

| Environment   | Best for                              | Typical output           |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| `itemize`     | Bullet points and unordered lists     | Bullets                  |
| `enumerate`   | Steps, rankings, ordered instructions | Numbers or letters       |
| `description` | Definitions, glossaries, option lists | Bold label + explanation |

## Quick Start

<LatexSource filename="example.tex" source={"\\begin{itemize}\n  \\item First bullet\n  \\item Second bullet\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\begin{enumerate}\n  \\item First step\n  \\item Second step\n\\end{enumerate}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output" ctaHref="https://app.latex-cloud-studio.com/?utm_source=resources&utm_medium=rendered_output&utm_campaign=docs_open_app&utm_content=learn_latex_basics_lists">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-01/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from example.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment. The visible fragment is compiled inside the documented minimal article wrapper." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Unordered Lists (Bullets)

Use the `itemize` environment for bullet points:

<LatexSource filename="basic-itemize.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\nShopping list:\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item Milk\n    \\item Eggs\n    \\item Bread\n    \\item LaTeX books\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-02/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from basic-itemize.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### Nested Bullet Lists

You can nest lists up to four levels deep:

<LatexSource filename="nested-itemize.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item First level\n    \\begin{itemize}\n        \\item Second level\n        \\begin{itemize}\n            \\item Third level\n            \\begin{itemize}\n                \\item Fourth level\n            \\end{itemize}\n        \\end{itemize}\n    \\end{itemize}\n    \\item Back to first level\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-03/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from nested-itemize.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Ordered Lists (Numbers)

Use the `enumerate` environment for numbered lists:

<LatexSource filename="basic-enumerate.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\nRecipe steps:\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\item Preheat oven to 350°F\n    \\item Mix ingredients\n    \\item Pour into pan\n    \\item Bake for 30 minutes\n    \\item Let cool and enjoy\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-04/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from basic-enumerate.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### Nested Numbered Lists

Different numbering styles at each level:

<LatexSource filename="nested-enumerate.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\item First item\n    \\begin{enumerate}\n        \\item Sub-item A\n        \\item Sub-item B\n        \\begin{enumerate}\n            \\item Detail i\n            \\item Detail ii\n        \\end{enumerate}\n    \\end{enumerate}\n    \\item Second item\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-05/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from nested-enumerate.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Description Lists

Use the `description` environment for term-definition pairs:

<LatexSource filename="description.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{description}\n    \\item[LaTeX] A document preparation system\n    \\item[PDF] Portable Document Format\n    \\item[Typography] The art of arranging type\n    \\item[Compiler] Software that processes LaTeX code\n\\end{description}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-06/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from description.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Mixing List Types

You can combine different list types:

<LatexSource filename="mixed-lists.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\item Prepare ingredients:\n    \\begin{itemize}\n        \\item 2 cups flour\n        \\item 1 cup sugar\n        \\item 3 eggs\n    \\end{itemize}\n    \n    \\item Mixing process:\n    \\begin{itemize}\n        \\item Beat eggs\n        \\item Add sugar gradually\n        \\item Fold in flour\n    \\end{itemize}\n    \n    \\item Baking times:\n    \\begin{description}\n        \\item[Cupcakes] 15-20 minutes\n        \\item[Layer cake] 25-30 minutes\n        \\item[Bundt cake] 45-50 minutes\n    \\end{description}\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-07/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from mixed-lists.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Customizing Lists

### Custom Bullets

<LatexSource filename="custom-bullets.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n% Temporarily change bullet symbol\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item[→] First point\n    \\item[→] Second point\n    \\item[→] Third point\n\\end{itemize}\n\n% Using different symbols\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item[*] Asterisk bullet\n    \\item[†] Dagger bullet\n    \\item[§] Section symbol\n    \\item[¶] Paragraph symbol\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-08/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from custom-bullets.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### How to Change Numbering in LaTeX

To change numbering in LaTeX, set a custom label on each `\item` for a short list, or use the `enumitem` package when the numbering style should apply consistently. The example below shows Roman numerals, a different start value, and letters.

<LatexSource filename="custom-numbering.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n% Roman numerals\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\item[(i)] First item\n    \\item[(ii)] Second item\n    \\item[(iii)] Third item\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n% Custom starting number\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\setcounter{enumi}{4}\n    \\item This is item 5\n    \\item This is item 6\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n% Letters instead of numbers\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\item[(a)] Option A\n    \\item[(b)] Option B\n    \\item[(c)] Option C\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-09/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from custom-numbering.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## List Spacing

### Compact Lists

<LatexSource filename="compact-lists.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage{enumitem}\n\\begin{document}\n\n% Normal spacing\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item First item\n    \\item Second item\n    \\item Third item\n\\end{itemize}\n\n% Compact spacing\n\\begin{itemize}[noitemsep]\n    \\item First item\n    \\item Second item\n    \\item Third item\n\\end{itemize}\n\n% No spacing at all\n\\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=0pt]\n    \\item First item\n    \\item Second item\n    \\item Third item\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-10/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from compact-lists.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### Wide Spacing

<LatexSource filename="wide-spacing.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage{enumitem}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{enumerate}[itemsep=1em]\n    \\item First item with extra space after\n    \\item Second item with extra space after\n    \\item Third item\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-11/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from wide-spacing.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Advanced List Formatting

### The enumitem Package

For full control over lists:

<LatexSource filename="enumitem-examples.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage[inline]{enumitem}\n\\begin{document}\n\n% Custom labels\n\\begin{enumerate}[label=\\arabic*)]\n    \\item First item\n    \\item Second item\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\begin{enumerate}[label=\\Alph*.]\n    \\item First item\n    \\item Second item\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n% Inline lists\n\\begin{enumerate*}[label=(\\alph*)]\n    \\item First \\item Second \\item Third\n\\end{enumerate*}\n\n% Resume numbering\n\\begin{enumerate}\n    \\item First item\n    \\item Second item\n\\end{enumerate}\nText in between...\n\\begin{enumerate}[resume]\n    \\item This is item 3\n    \\item This is item 4\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-12/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from enumitem-examples.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### List Alignment

<LatexSource filename="list-alignment.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage{enumitem}\n\\begin{document}\n\n% Left-aligned labels\n\\begin{itemize}[align=left]\n    \\item Short\n    \\item A much longer item label\n\\end{itemize}\n\n% Right-aligned labels\n\\begin{enumerate}[align=right]\n    \\item First\n    \\item Second\n    \\item Third\n\\end{enumerate}\n\n% Hanging indent\n\\begin{itemize}[leftmargin=*]\n    \\item This is a long item that will wrap to the next line \n          and maintain proper indentation\n    \\item Another item\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-13/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from list-alignment.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Inline Lists

For lists within paragraphs:

<LatexSource filename="inline-lists.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage[inline]{enumitem}\n\\begin{document}\n\nThe process involves: \n\\begin{enumerate*}[label=(\\roman*)]\n    \\item preparation,\n    \\item execution,\n    \\item evaluation, and\n    \\item revision.\n\\end{enumerate*}\nThis keeps the list inline with the text.\n\nMy favorite colors are:\n\\begin{itemize*}\n    \\item red,\n    \\item blue, and\n    \\item green.\n\\end{itemize*}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-14/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from inline-lists.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Common List Patterns

### To-Do Lists

<LatexSource filename="todo-list.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage{amssymb}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item[$\\square$] Write introduction\n    \\item[$\\square$] Add examples\n    \\item[$\\boxtimes$] Review content\n    \\item[$\\square$] Submit document\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-15/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from todo-list.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### Pros and Cons

<LatexSource filename="pros-cons.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\textbf{Pros:}\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item[+] Easy to learn\n    \\item[+] Professional output\n    \\item[+] Free and open source\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\textbf{Cons:}\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item[--] Initial setup required\n    \\item[--] Compilation needed\n\\end{itemize}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-16/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from pros-cons.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

### Multi-column Lists

<LatexSource filename="multicolumn-lists.tex" source={"\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage{multicol}\n\\begin{document}\n\n\\begin{multicols}{2}\n\\begin{itemize}\n    \\item Apple\n    \\item Banana\n    \\item Cherry\n    \\item Date\n    \\item Elderberry\n    \\item Fig\n\\end{itemize}\n\\end{multicols}\n\n\\end{document}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-17/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from multicolumn-lists.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  **List guidelines:**

  1. **Consistency** - Use the same list type for similar content
  2. **Parallel structure** - Start items with the same part of speech
  3. **Punctuation** - Be consistent with periods and commas
  4. **Nesting depth** - Rarely go beyond three levels
  5. **Item length** - Keep items concise when possible
</Tip>

## How to Change the Space Between Items

The gap between `itemize` or `enumerate` items is set by `\itemsep`. The clean way
to change it is the `enumitem` package, which lets you set spacing per list without
touching internal lengths.

Load `\usepackage{enumitem}`, then:

* `\begin{itemize}[itemsep=0pt]` removes the extra space between items
* `\begin{itemize}[noitemsep]` is shorthand for the same thing
* `\begin{itemize}[itemsep=1em]` opens the list up
* `\begin{itemize}[nosep]` removes space between items *and* around the list

To apply it everywhere rather than per list, set it once in the preamble with
`\setlist{itemsep=0pt}`, or target one type with `\setlist[itemize]{itemsep=0pt}`.

Compact lists are a common request for CVs and slides, where the default spacing
looks loose.

## Common Mistakes

<Warning>
  **Avoid these errors:**

  1. **Missing `\item`** - Every list entry needs this command
  2. **Incorrect nesting** - Close inner lists before outer ones
  3. **Too many levels** - More than 3-4 levels is hard to follow
  4. **Inconsistent formatting** - Match punctuation and capitalization
  5. **Wrong environment** - Use the appropriate list type
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting

### List Not Appearing

Check for:

<LatexSource filename="example.tex" source={"% Wrong - missing \\item\n\\begin{itemize}\nFirst item  % Error!\n\\end{itemize}\n\n% Correct\n\\begin{itemize}\n\\item First item\n\\end{itemize}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Compiler result">
  <Warning>
    This example is intentionally invalid. The automated example test verifies that compilation fails with: `Something's wrong--perhaps a missing`.
  </Warning>
</RenderedOutput>

### Spacing Issues

Adjust with enumitem:

<LatexSource filename="example.tex" source={"\\usepackage{enumitem}\n\\setlist{noitemsep} % Global setting\n\n% Or per-list\n\\begin{itemize}[topsep=0pt, partopsep=0pt]\n\\item First compact item\n\\item Second compact item\n\\end{itemize}"} />

<RenderedOutput title="Rendered output">
  <LatexPreview src="/images/rendered/learn-latex-basics-lists-19/page-1.svg" alt="Compiled PDF page 1 from example.tex" caption="Generated from the shown source with pdfLaTeX in the pinned LaTeXCloud TeX Live 2026 environment. The visible fragment is compiled inside the documented minimal article wrapper." width={595.276} height={841.89} />
</RenderedOutput>

## Quick Reference

| Environment   | Purpose          | Basic Syntax             |
| ------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------ |
| `itemize`     | Bullet points    | `\item Text`             |
| `enumerate`   | Numbered list    | `\item Text`             |
| `description` | Term definitions | `\item[Term] Definition` |

| Package    | Purpose                 |
| ---------- | ----------------------- |
| `enumitem` | Full list customization |
| `multicol` | Multi-column lists      |

## Try a List in LaTeX Cloud Studio

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Open the list example in the editor" icon="cloud" href="https://app.latex-cloud-studio.com/?utm_source=resources&utm_medium=card&utm_campaign=docs_open_app&utm_content=lists_open_app">
    Paste one of the examples into a project and compile it to check numbering, nesting, and spacing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="See the online LaTeX editor" icon="arrow-up-right-from-square" href="https://www.latex-cloud-studio.com/online-latex-editor?utm_source=resources&utm_medium=related_product&utm_campaign=docs_to_website&utm_content=lists_online_editor">
    Compare the browser editor workflow before starting a project.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Next**: Learn about handling [Errors](/learn/latex/basics/errors) in LaTeX to troubleshoot your documents effectively.
</Info>